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Sebastiani chardonnay

Brut Segura Viudas

Columbia Crest Two Vines

Alamos malbec

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It’s that time of year again — your wine rack is looking a little empty after the holidays. Must have been all those parties, dinners and gifts. With a stack of bills coming and tax time ahead, it might be a good time to look at value wines.

Lots of people come back from Europe amazed at the quality and price of continental table wines. There is plenty of reasonably priced wine here, too; the real trick is to find something you enjoy at the right price.

I’ve put together examples of some wines and wineries (mostly domestic this time around) that are a good value and readily available in Middle Tennessee. All of these wines are typically in the $10 range.

• One of the worst-kept secrets out of Spain is Segura Viudas Cava. While Segura Viudas produces a range of sparkling wines, it’s their humble little Brut Cava that gets best-buy ratings year after year. This dry sparkler is just the thing for mimosas, pop-up celebrations or champagne cocktails.

• Another go-to winery is Columbia Crest from Washington State. Its long list of labels starts with Two Vines, a very respectable entry-level product line. It might as well have “party wine” printed on the bottle. And for just a little more money, you can upgrade to Columbia Crest’s Grand Estates label, including its cabernet that drinks like a wine twice the price.

• McManis Family (fifth generation) Vineyards out of California is another consistently impressive producer. From petite sirah to pinot noir, you can expect true varietal character. If you like a deal, McManis wines are easy drinking.

• And remember, some big names such as Sebastiani can be so ubiquitous that they are sometimes taken for granted. Compare its name-sake chardonnay to some of the higher-priced California competition and be ready for a pleasant surprise.

• There are so many great wines and interesting varietals in South America, it’s hard to know where to begin. Chile and Argentina have found the sweet spot between quality and price. Try Argentina’s Alamos malbec if you like a smooth but hearty red at a great price. And Chile’s Concha y Toro lineup includes labels such as Casillero del Diablo — further proof your wine budget can go a long way.